Google Android ril_external_client.cpp setToExternal out-of-bounds write
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | $0-$5k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability described as critical has been identified in Google Android. Affected by this issue is the function setToExternal of the file ril_external_client.cpp. Such manipulation leads to out-of-bounds write.
This vulnerability is listed as CVE-2023-21052. The attack must be carried out locally. There is no available exploit.
Applying a patch is advised to resolve this issue.
Details
A vulnerability was found in Google Android (Smartphone Operating System) (unknown version). It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is the function setToExternal of the file ril_external_client.cpp. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-787. The product writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
In setToExternal of ril_external_client.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-259063189References: N/A
The weakness was presented 03/25/2023 as A-259063189. The advisory is shared for download at source.android.com. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2023-21052 since 11/03/2022. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 09/09/2025). It is expected to see the exploit prices for this product increasing in the near future.
Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem.
The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at EUVD (EUVD-2023-25220). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.google.com/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔍VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.4VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Base Score: 4.2
VulDB Temp Score: 4.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
NVD Base Score: 6.7
NVD Vector: 🔍
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Out-of-bounds writeCWE: CWE-787 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍
Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No
Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined
EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
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Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: PatchStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Timeline
11/03/2022 🔍03/25/2023 🔍
03/25/2023 🔍
09/09/2025 🔍
Sources
Vendor: google.comAdvisory: A-259063189
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2023-21052 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2023-21052
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-223928
EUVD: 🔍
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20150917
Entry
Created: 03/25/2023 08:30Updated: 09/09/2025 14:03
Changes: 03/25/2023 08:30 (42), 04/14/2023 16:24 (11), 09/09/2025 14:03 (16)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
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